NEW BEGINNING, NEW INSPIRATION
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Pukyong National University Draws Attention with Four Consecutive Years of Improvement in THE World University Rankings- Rises to the 1001-1200 band in this year’s rankings … Ranks 6th among national universities in KoreaPukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) has continued its steady upward trend over the past four years, placing in the 1001-1200 band in the 2027 The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. The university also ranked 6th among national universities in Korea. The Times Higher Education (THE), a UK-based global university ranking organization, announced its rankings of 2,297 universities across 118 countries and regions on September 30. The rankings assess universities based on five key performance areas―teaching, research environment, research quality, industry, and international outlook―comprising 18 individual indicators. Pukyong National University first entered the THE World University Rankings in 2024 and was placed in the 1201-1500 band in both the 2025 and 2026 rankings. In the 2027 rankings, the university moved up one band to 1001-1200. Its domestic ranking has also steadily improved over the past three years, rising from 35th to 30th and then to 28th this year. Among national universities in Korea, Pukyong National University tied for 6th place with Chungnam National University. In this year’s evaluation, Pukyong National University recorded higher scores across all five key performance areas, with the research environment showing the most significant improvement. Pukyong National University attributed this progress to its ongoing innovation efforts to transform into a research-oriented university, including the establishment of the Pukyong Flagship Research Institute and the development of a full-cycle research support system. In addition, the university believes that its institutional restructuring efforts have contributed to the improved rankings. These include expanding its global industry-academia cooperation platform centered on Yongdang Campus, one of its two campuses, as well as establishing the AX Innovation College to respond to advances in cutting-edge fields and the Global Innovation College dedicated to international students. Building on the results of this year’s evaluation, Pukyong National University plans to further strengthen its research competitiveness, enhance its global industry-academia cooperation and internationalization capabilities, and continuously pursue educational and research innovation in future-oriented advanced fields, with the goal of becoming a world-class university.
대외홍보센터 (2026-10-21)COUNT 24Pukyong National University’s Global Industry-Academia Cooperation Platform Delivers Results as Local Company Nears KRW 45 Billion Export Deal with the Philippines- KOSTEC Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering and MBI sign JVC agreement in Korea-Philippines Forum … Selected as preferred bidder for Philippine government’s floating dock project- Pukyong National University’s Global Market Entry Support Team connects the university, local businesses, and overseas government and industry partners, bringing major export deals within reachPukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) is on the verge of securing an export contract worth approximately KRW 45 billion by supporting a Busan-based shipbuilding and marine engineering company’s entry into the Philippine market. Pukyong National University announced that it held the 2026 Korea-Philippines BlueOceanTech Cooperation Forum at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, Philippines, on September 29, expanding cooperation between Busan-based shipbuilding and marine engineering companies and the Philippine government and industry while achieving tangible business outcomes. At the heart of this achievement was the signing of a Joint Venture Consortium (JVC) agreement between KOSTEC Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd., a Busan-based shipbuilding and marine engineering company, and Megaship Builders Inc. (MBI), a Philippine shipbuilding company. KOSTEC Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. was recently selected as the preferred bidder in an international tender for a floating dock project commissioned by the Philippine government and is now close to signing an export contract worth approximately KRW 45 billion. Through the JVC agreement, KOSTEC and MBI have established a more concrete framework for cooperation in carrying out projects in the Philippines, laying the groundwork for large-scale shipbuilding and marine engineering projects. This achievement reflects Pukyong National University’s ongoing efforts to support local companies’ entry into overseas markets by leveraging its global network to facilitate cooperation with foreign governments and industry partners. The forum was organized as part of the Global Market Entry Support Team initiative, linked to Open-UIC, a signature model of Busan’s Anchor Project. Using its Yongdang Campus, an advanced fisheries and marine field campus, as a strategic hub, Pukyong National University has supported local companies in expanding into overseas markets while strengthening its global industry-academia cooperation network connecting the university, businesses, foreign government agencies, and industry partners. In particular, since 2019, Pukyong National University has worked with the Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Plant Engineering Cooperative (KOSEC), based at its Yongdang Campus, to establish a foundation for cooperation through ongoing forums and business exchanges with government agencies and the shipbuilding and marine industries in Philippine cities, including Manila and Cebu. Following the signing of a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between KOSTEC Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. and MBI at the Korea-Philippines Marine Mobility Global Cooperation Forum held in Cebu this April, the partnership has now progressed to the selection of KOSTEC as the preferred bidder for a Philippine government project and the signing of a JVC agreement. These developments demonstrate how sustained global industry-academia cooperation has brought tangible export success within reach. Alongside the forum, Pukyong National University is operating a joint Korea Pavilion at BEACON Expo & Conference 2026, held at the same venue from September 29 to October 1, in collaboration with KOSEC, the Korea Disaster Safety Industry Technology Research Cooperative (SAFRA), and participating companies. The pavilion showcases technologies developed by Busan-based companies to the Philippine market while facilitating business consultations with Philippine government agencies, shipyards, and potential corporate customers. On September 30, Pukyong National University visited the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS), a university specializing in maritime education, to discuss student exchanges in naval architecture and international educational cooperation. The university also plans to pursue cooperation with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of the Philippines in shipbuilding and maritime safety. Pukyong National University President Sang-Hoon Bae said, “This forum is particularly meaningful because the cooperative network established among the university, local companies, the Philippine government, and industry partners has translated into tangible outcomes in the form of overseas project contracts and exports. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our role as a global industry-academia cooperation platform by leveraging Pukyong National University’s educational and research capabilities and global network to connect local companies with international markets and help them achieve concrete results in their overseas expansion. “
대외홍보센터 (2026-10-21)COUNT 23Some Regions See an Increase in the Number of Schools Despite Declining School-Age Populations- Pukyong National University research team analyzes changes in school-age populations and school numbers across 228 local governments nationwide over a 10-year period- School-age populations declined in 89.47% of regions, while the number of schools increased in 46.05% … Findings published in an SSCI-indexed international journalA recent study has found that although school-age populations are declining nationwide, the number of schools does not necessarily change in the same direction, with significant regional disparities. In particular, the number of schools has actually increased in many regions experiencing declining school-age populations, suggesting that the allocation of educational resources in an era of low birth rates is not determined solely by changes in student numbers. A research team comprising Xinyuan Zhang, a doctoral student in the Department of Educational Consulting at Pukyong National University’s Graduate School, Shishang Yang of Yuncheng Vocational and Technical University in China, and Professor Gyun Heo of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Industries Education at Pukyong National University analyzed the spatial relationship between changes in school-age populations and adjustments in the number of schools in South Korea, as well as evolving patterns of educational resource allocation, in their paper titled “Spatial mismatch and logical transition of basic education resource allocation in South Korea.” The paper was published in the October 2026 issue (Volume 126) of International Journal of Educational Development, an international journal indexed in the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). Using long-term data and spatial analysis at the local government level nationwide, the study examined the relationship between declining school-age populations due to low birth rates and changes in the number of schools. The research team analyzed changes in the school-age population, defined as those aged 5 to 19, and the number of schools across 228 local governments in South Korea from 2014 to 2024. Using data from Statistics Korea and regional statistical sources, the researchers examined long-term trends and applied regression analysis and geographic information system (GIS)-based spatial statistical analysis to investigate regional relationships between changes in school-age populations and the allocation of educational resources. The findings revealed that school-age populations declined in 89.47% of local government areas nationwide, while changes in the number of schools varied considerably by region. Notably, 105 of the 228 regions (46.05%) experienced an increase in the number of schools despite declining school-age populations. These findings suggest that school distribution in an era of low birth rates is influenced not simply by changes in student numbers, but also by various factors, including new town development, the establishment of industrial zones, population migration, and regional development policies. The study also found that 99 regions (43.42%) experienced declines in both school-age populations and the number of schools, while 23 regions (10.09%) recorded increases in both. Only one region saw a decrease in the number of schools despite an increase in its school-age population. Spatial analysis revealed that declines in school-age populations were concentrated in parts of central Seoul and the surrounding areas of the Seoul metropolitan region, while relatively strong population growth was observed in the outer metropolitan areas, including southern Gyeonggi Province, and in certain industrial cities. The number of schools also showed distinct spatial patterns, with increases concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area and around major metropolitan cities, while clusters of declining school numbers appeared in eastern and certain non-metropolitan regions. These findings highlighted a spatial disparity characterized by a “West-Strong, East-Weak” pattern. In particular, the research team found that regions attracting young people and families through new town development or the relocation of industrial facilities tend to establish schools proactively in anticipation of future demand. In contrast, in regions experiencing sustained population decline, school mergers and closures, along with reductions in educational facilities, could weaken local communities and potentially accelerate further population outflows. Professor Gyun Heo said, “The significance of this study lies in its empirical demonstration, based on 10 years of data from 228 local governments nationwide, that changes in school-age populations and adjustments in the number of schools do not necessarily follow the same patterns across regions. In particular, the findings highlight the need for educational resource allocation policies in an era of low birth rates to comprehensively consider not only student numbers but also population migration, regional development, industrial structures, and the role of schools within local communities.” Xinyuan Zhang has been dedicated to research since coming to Pukyong National University from China through the Global PKNU Graduate Degree Program for Faculty and Staff of Overseas Universities. With support from the 2025 PhiNX Graduate Research Encouragement Scholarship Program for the Protection of Academic Disciplines and the GPKNU Research Promotion Scholarship, Zhang has published papers as first author in KCI-indexed journals, including Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education. To date, Zhang has produced two KCI-indexed papers and one SSCI-indexed paper. As the first author of the present study, Zhang took a leading role in research conceptualization, methodology design, data analysis, visualization, and manuscript preparation. Shishang Yang is a researcher at the College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Yuncheng Vocational and Technical University, China, and earned a doctoral degree from the Department of Architecture at Pukyong National University. Yang participated in this study as the corresponding author. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining education, architecture, and spatial analysis, the research team examined the spatial relationship between changes in school-age populations due to low birth rates and the distribution of school facilities. Professor Gyun Heo, who participated as a co-researcher, has conducted research in educational technology, AI-based education, big data analysis, and advanced quantitative research methodologies. He has also mentored graduate students and early-career researchers in publishing papers in domestic and international academic journals. This achievement is regarded as a notable example of interdisciplinary research that combines the educational expertise developed by Pukyong National University’s undergraduate Department of Fisheries and Marine Industries Education (Department Chair Tae-Ho Lee) and its graduate Department of Educational Consulting and Department of Fisheries and Marine Human Resources Development with research expertise from diverse disciplines, including architecture. By integrating these fields, the study sheds light on the social challenges of low birth rates and regional depopulation from the perspectives of educational resource allocation and spatial analysis.
Pukyong National University Ranks 1st in Busan for Research Funding per Full-Time Faculty Member- 2026 University Information Disclosure Data … KRW 175.81 Million per Full-Time Faculty Member Pukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) ranked 1st among four-year universities in Busan for research funding received per full-time faculty member this year. According to the August 2026 disclosure on the University Information Disclosure System (AcademyInfo), based on 2025 data, Pukyong National University ranked 1st among 13 four-year universities in Busan, with research funding of KRW 175.81 million per full-time faculty member. The university has maintained its top position in Busan for three consecutive years, demonstrating its sustained research competitiveness as a leading research-oriented university in the region. Research funding per full-time faculty member is calculated by dividing the total amount of internal and external research funding, including institutional and external matching funds, by the number of full-time faculty members at each university. According to this year’s disclosed data, Pukyong National University received a total of KRW 110.24 billion in internal and external research funding and matching funds, with 627 full-time faculty members. Based on these figures, research funding per full-time faculty member amounted to KRW 175.81 million. Research funding per full-time faculty member at Pukyong National University increased significantly from KRW 159.78 million two years ago to KRW 176.78 million last year, and remained high at KRW 175.81 million this year. The university has thus maintained research funding of more than KRW 150 million per full-time faculty member for three consecutive years. These achievements are attributed to the university’s administrative support for securing research funding and its continued efforts to strengthen research competitiveness. Pukyong National University has enhanced its research support services to help researchers actively pursue government-funded research and development projects, including the Ministry of Education’s Future Response Fund Program. These efforts include providing researchers with announcements of funding opportunities and relevant information, as well as offering on-site research support services. In addition, Pukyong National University is strengthening its foundation for becoming a research-oriented university by bringing together its research, educational, and administrative capabilities through the PKNU Flagship Research Institute. Through this initiative, the university aims to proactively plan large-scale research projects and enhance its competitiveness in securing government-funded research programs. Pukyong National University President Sang-Hoon Bae said, “Research funding is a key indicator of a university’s research capabilities and an essential foundation for conducting high-quality research. We will continue to strengthen our support for research competitiveness by expanding exchanges and collaboration among researchers and responding flexibly to the evolving research environment.”
Pukyong National University Hosts Special Lecture by Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Laureate Craig Mello- World-renowned scientist who revolutionized gene function research through groundbreaking discoveries in RNA interference- Lecture held at the University Theater on September 18 … Attended by approximately 700 university members, local university students, and high school studentsPukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) hosted a special lecture by Professor Craig C. Mello, the 2006 Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology or Medicine, on September 18 to commemorate the university’s 80th anniversary. The lecture was held in conjunction with Nobel Prize Dialogue Seoul 2026, scheduled to take place in Seoul on September 20 and jointly organized by the Korean Academy of Science and Technology (KAST) and Nobel Prize Outreach, an organization affiliated with the Nobel Foundation in Sweden. Professor Craig C. Mello delivered the lecture that afternoon at Pukyong National University’s University Theater to an audience of approximately 700 participants, including university faculty, staff, and students, as well as students from nearby universities and high schools. Professor Craig C. Mello earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Brown University in the United States in 1982 and his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1990. He subsequently conducted postdoctoral research at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center from 1990 to 1994 and has served as a professor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School since 1995. He was also an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute from 2000 to 2024. He was awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, jointly with Dr. Andrew Fire, for their discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), a groundbreaking achievement that revealed a key mechanism regulating gene expression. During his special lecture titled “RNAi: A Molecular Spark in an Information Inferno,” Professor Mello provided a detailed account of his research journey following the discovery of RNAi. While studying the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans with Dr. Andrew Fire, Professor Mello discovered that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) could block the activity of specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. This process prevents certain genetic information from being translated into proteins, effectively “silencing” or inactivating the corresponding genes. Their research demonstrated that RNA interference plays a crucial role in regulating gene activity within the genome. Professor Mello particularly emphasized intellectual curiosity as an essential quality for scientists. He said, “Scientists must constantly nurture their curiosity. They should pursue their curiosity with confidence in themselves. Although failure may occur repeatedly, it is important to believe that by continuing to take on challenges, they can eventually find answers and solve problems.” Regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI), Professor Mello said, “Just because AI provides an answer does not necessarily mean it is the correct one. It is merely a starting point for the next question.” He added, “AI is an extremely powerful tool that enables scientists to rapidly analyze vast amounts of data, identify details that humans might overlook, and ask better questions. When used appropriately, it will accelerate scientific progress.” He further advised, “Science is about questioning. It is natural to be wrong, and there may be periods of uncertainty. We may not know how long it will take to achieve a breakthrough. Nevertheless, we must continually repeat the process of learning from failures, experiencing small successes, and taking on new challenges.” Meanwhile, Pukyong National University, a comprehensive national university specializing in marine and fisheries sciences, has gained recognition for its research capabilities in the year of its 80th anniversary, ranking in five subject areas, including Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. Building on this academic foundation, the university organized the Nobel laureate’s lecture to provide an open platform for academic exchange, bringing together members of the university and the wider community with a world-renowned scholar.
Pukyong National University Accelerates Transformation into Research-Oriented University with Launch of ‘Pukyong Flagship Research Institute’- Briefing on implementation plan held on September 16 … Full-cycle support from planning and securing national R&D projects to disseminating research outcomes- Strategic research hubs to be established in fields including AI … Target of securing KRW 100 billion in large-scale national R&D projects- Convergence research ecosystem to expand externally through a “Research Pentagon” connecting industry, government, research institutes, and universitiesPukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) is accelerating its transformation into a research-oriented university with the establishment of the Pukyong Flagship Research Institute, a strategic convergence research institute that will oversee interdisciplinary and strategic research. On September 16, Pukyong National University held a briefing on its Comprehensive Implementation Plan for the Transformation into a Research-Oriented University in the conference room of the university administration building. President Sang-Hoon Bae personally led the briefing, presenting five key initiatives, including the establishment of the Pukyong Flagship Research Institute, and sharing the university’s vision and strategic direction for its transformation into a research-oriented university. Pukyong National University is restructuring its research system to respond to the rapidly changing R&D environment driven by AI transformation (AX) and national strategic technologies, while expanding the research capabilities of individual researchers into collective and interdisciplinary research capabilities at the university level. In particular, the university plans to establish a full-cycle research support system encompassing research planning, securing national R&D projects, research implementation, talent development, and the dissemination of research outcomes, with the goal of taking its research competitiveness to the next level. Pukyong National University has already laid a solid foundation for its transformation into a research-oriented university, backed by strong research capabilities. The university ranked first among 25 national universities nationwide in research funding received per full-time faculty member, according to the 2025 disclosure by the Higher Education in Korea information service. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, five fields―including Chemical Engineering (301-350), Environmental Sciences, Business, Economics, and Chemistry―were ranked globally. In addition, the proportion of the university’s papers published in journals within the top 25% by CiteScore reached 64.7% in 2025 and continues to rise. Pukyong National University plans to expand these research strengths into collective and interdisciplinary research capabilities at the university level. To this end, the university will pursue five key initiatives for its transformation into a research-oriented university: △ establishing the Pukyong Flagship Research Institute △ strengthening research capabilities and providing strategic support for securing national R&D projects △ creating a researcher-centered environment that enables researchers to focus on their work △ building an interdisciplinary, research-oriented learning ecosystem △ expanding the research ecosystem and creating a virtuous cycle of research outcomes. Established earlier this month, the Pukyong Flagship Research Institute is an independent research organization directly under the university president. It will serve as an AI-based, full-cycle platform for interdisciplinary research, bringing together the university’s currently dispersed research, education, and administrative capabilities while supporting large-scale national R&D projects from planning and acquisition to implementation and the dissemination of outcomes. In particular, the institute will systematically operate the Arctic Route Innovation Institute and the AI-Ready Innovation Institute under its umbrella. It will also identify outstanding researchers and strategic research areas to establish a virtuous cycle in which research achievements lead to follow-up studies and talent development rather than ending as one-off outcomes. To support this initiative, Pukyong National University has also established a coordinated support system in which the Office of Graduate Studies and Research, created through the reorganization of the existing graduate school and Office of Research Support, and the Industry-University Cooperation Foundation work in close collaboration with the PKNU Flagship Research Institute. Beyond building an internal research ecosystem, the Pukyong Flagship Research Institute will actively extend its capabilities beyond the university. It plans to establish a “Research Pentagon” that expands collaboration with companies, government agencies, government-funded research institutes, and universities in Korea and abroad. Through this framework, the university will create a virtuous cycle of research outcomes by △ expanding joint degree programs with universities in Korea and abroad △ introducing industry-linked degree programs in partnership with companies △ promoting joint research and technology commercialization △ expanding talent exchanges and global networks. Pukyong National University President Sang-Hoon Bae said, “Marking its 80th anniversary this year, Pukyong National University has evolved into a specialized comprehensive national university encompassing interdisciplinary and advanced fields, building on its strong foundations in marine and fisheries sciences, engineering, and other fundamental academic disciplines following the integration of the former National Fisheries University of Busan and Busan National University of Technology. We will continue to make every effort to achieve a major transformation into a world-class research-oriented university capable of advancing R&D in cutting-edge fields for the university, the region, and the nation.”
대외홍보센터 (2026-10-01)COUNT 81Pukyong National University Professor Dae-Seok Kim’s Team Develops High-Power Artificial Muscle by Modifying ‘Molecular Crosslinks’ in Liquid Crystal Elastomers- ‘Anisotropic Crosslinker’ developed to reinforce artificial muscles at the molecular level- More than 30% contraction with high power output … Electrically driven artificial muscle lifts a 1 kg load- Findings published in ‘Angewandte Chemie International Edition,’ a world-renowned international journal in chemistry and materials scienceResearchers at Pukyong National University have developed a high-power artificial muscle capable of maintaining strong force even at high temperatures through a new approach that modifies the structure of the “molecular connection points (crosslinks)” that make up Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs). Professor Dae-Seok Kim’s research team in the Major of Polymer Engineering at Pukyong National University developed a “mesogen-mimetic anisotropic crosslinker” that resembles the rod-shaped liquid crystal mesogens forming the main chains of LCEs. This approach significantly reduces mechanical softening―the tendency of a rigid material to become softer―at high temperatures, a major limitation of conventional liquid crystal artificial muscles. Liquid crystal elastomers are soft and flexible like rubber while also being capable of contracting in response to stimuli such as heat or light, making them promising key materials for artificial muscles and soft robots. However, conventional LCEs tend to soften at the high temperatures where contraction becomes most active, making it difficult for them to sustain sufficient force. To address this issue, the research team focused on the crosslinker, which until now had been regarded simply as a component that connects and fixes polymer chains. In conventional liquid crystal elastomers, elongated, rod-shaped liquid crystal mesogens in the main chains are aligned in a specific direction, while the crosslinkers connecting these chains are generally flexible or lack a distinct directional structure. Starting from the idea, “If liquid crystal chains have directionality, why not design the crosslinkers connecting them to resemble liquid crystal mesogens as well?” the team designed a new crosslinker called PBB-TT, featuring an elongated, rigid core structure similar to that of liquid crystal mesogens. This transformed the crosslinks from simple “connection points” that hold chains together into “molecular reinforcement points” that work in harmony with the liquid crystal molecules to support and transmit force. Importantly, the new crosslinker incorporates not only a rigid structure but also flexible linking segments, preventing the material from becoming excessively stiff and restricting the movement of the liquid crystals. As a result, the LCE maintained its mechanical strength at high temperatures while preserving the large contraction characteristic of liquid crystal elastomers. The developed artificial muscle contracted by more than 30% even while supporting an actual load and maintained stable performance over repeated actuation cycles. An artificial muscle incorporating an electrical heating structure also successfully lifted a 1 kg load. The research team also utilized the material’s remaining photoreactivity to develop a technique for directly bonding LCE films to one another without using a separate adhesive. Using this technique, the researchers fabricated not only electrically driven artificial muscles but also a soft gripper capable of grasping and releasing objects. They also confirmed that damaged artificial muscles could be rejoined to recover most of their original performance. The significance of this study lies in redesigning the molecular structure of the liquid crystal elastomer itself, rather than adding separate reinforcing materials such as carbon nanotubes or graphene. While conventional LCE networks combine directionally aligned liquid crystal mesogens with non-directional crosslinks, the new approach designs the crosslinkers themselves to resemble the liquid crystal mesogens in the main chains, thereby integrating the directionality of the entire network and the transmission of force at the molecular level. Professor Dae-Seok Kim explained, “The main chains of liquid crystal elastomers already contain directionally aligned, rod-shaped mesogens, but conventional crosslinkers have largely been limited to simply connecting the chains. The key to this study was to give the crosslinkers a directional structure resembling that of liquid crystal mesogens, transforming simple molecular connection points into reinforcement points that actually support and transmit force.” He added, “For artificial muscles to perform actual work, they must not only produce large movements but also maintain sufficient force while moving. This study demonstrates the potential of high-power liquid crystal artificial muscles through a new molecular design strategy based on the structure and directionality of crosslinkers, and we expect the approach to be extended to a wide range of applications, including soft robots and wearable actuators.” The paper presenting the findings, titled “Mesogen-Mimetic Anisotropic Crosslinkers for Load-Bearing Liquid Crystal Elastomer Artificial Muscles,” was published on September 8 in Angewandte Chemie International Edition (IF 17.6), a world-renowned international journal in the fields of chemistry and materials science.
Pukyong National University and Japan’s AIST Jointly Develop Iron-Copper-Silver Composite Powder with Ferromagnetism and High Electrical Conductivity- Korea-Japan joint research achievement … Expected to be used as a conductive filler for semiconductor test sockets- Superior electrical conductivity compared with conventional nickel powder demonstrated … Patent applications underway in Korea and abroad Pukyong National University and Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) have jointly developed an iron (Fe)-copper (Cu)-silver (Ag) composite powder that combines ferromagnetism with high electrical conductivity through international collaborative research. As demand for high-performance conductive materials continues to grow with the miniaturization of semiconductors and the increasing number of pins, the newly developed material is expected to have potential applications as a conductive filler for next-generation semiconductor test sockets. Professor Han-Sang Kwon’s research team in the Major of Materials System Engineering at Pukyong National University jointly developed the Fe-Cu-Ag composite powder with researchers including Dr. Kwang-Jae Park of AIST’s Multi-Materials Research Institute and characterized its magnetic, electrical, and mechanical properties. The research findings were presented on September 11 at the 87th Autumn Meeting of the Japan Society of Applied Physics in Sapporo, Japan. The research team produced the Fe-Cu-Ag composite powder by combining ferromagnetic Fe with Cu and Ag, both of which have high electrical conductivity. In particular, the team designed an Fe:Cu:Ag mass ratio of 3:5:2 and applied gas atomization and thermal plasma methods to synthesize micro-composite powder with an average particle size of approximately 50 μm and nano-composite powder of approximately 100 nm, respectively. The developed composite powders exhibited higher electrical conductivity than nickel (Ni) powder, which is widely used in conventional semiconductor test sockets. Their saturation magnetization, a measure of the maximum magnetization a material can attain, was also higher than or comparable to that of Ni (approximately 57 emu/g), reaching approximately 63 emu/g for the micro-composite powder and 56 emu/g for the nano-composite powder. The micro-composite powder also recorded a Vickers hardness of 127 HV, higher than the 100-110 HV of Ni powder, demonstrating its potential for superior mechanical properties as well. The key to this study lies in utilizing the immiscible nature of Fe, Cu, and Ag to create a composite microstructure in which Fe provides magnetic functionality, while Cu and Ag provide high electrical conductivity. In the micro-composite powder, Fe and Cu were dispersed within an Ag-based matrix, while the nano-composite powder formed a structure in which Fe was concentrated at the center of the particles, with Cu and Ag distributed toward the outer regions. These properties are expected to make the material suitable for use as a conductive filler in elastomer-based semiconductor test sockets. Because conductive fillers provide the electrical connection between semiconductor terminals and testing equipment, they require not only high electrical conductivity but also appropriate mechanical strength and durability. In particular, the use of ferromagnetic materials makes it possible to apply a magnetic field during manufacturing to align conductive particles in the desired direction. Professor Han-Sang Kwon said, “This study presents a new material design strategy that can overcome the limitations of conventional materials by combining the ferromagnetism of Fe with the high electrical conductivity of Cu and Ag in a single composite powder. Going forward, we plan to expand its potential applications beyond semiconductor test sockets to a wide range of electronic and electrical materials in which conductive pathways can be controlled using magnetic fields.” The research team plans to optimize the powder’s composition, particle size, and microstructure for application in actual silicone rubber-based test sockets and evaluate its contact resistance, durability under repeated use, and signal transmission characteristics. Patent applications for the technology are currently underway in Korea and abroad, and the team plans to pursue its commercialization for materials used in semiconductor testing processes.
대외홍보센터 (2026-10-01)COUNT 87Pukyong National University Professor Min-Seok Kwak’s ‘DNA Ultrasound Molecular Switch’ Study Selected as Cover Article for International Journal ‘Chem’- Technology uses DNA to transmit ultrasonic force and selectively break only targeted molecular bonds- Enables precise mechanochemical reactions … Expected applications in drug delivery, biosensors, and moreProfessor Min-Seok Kwak’s research team in the Department of Chemistry at Pukyong National University has developed a new “DNA ultrasound molecular switch” platform that uses DNA to precisely transmit the mechanical force of ultrasound to specific molecular bonds, enabling selective activation of targeted bonds. The study uses DNA not as a biomolecule but as a precise molecular tool for transmitting mechanical force. Following its online publication on March 3, the research attracted attention in Korea and abroad and has now been recognized for its academic excellence by being selected as the Cover Article for the September 2026 issue (Vol. 12, No. 9) of Chem, a world-renowned journal in the field of chemistry. Published by Cell Press, Chem is a leading journal covering all areas of chemistry and selects only one study per issue to feature on its cover. The paper, titled “DNA-mediated force transmission for precise and efficient mechanochemical activation,” lists Dr. Gyu-Rin Kim of Pukyong National University as the first author, with Professor Min-Seok Kwak of Pukyong National University and Professor Andreas Herrmann of RWTH Aachen University in Germany as corresponding authors. Professors Hyun-Wook Kang and Hae-Gyun Lim of the Major of Biomedical Engineering at Pukyong National University also participated as co-researchers. The research team overcame the limitations of conventional mechanochemical techniques by utilizing the structural properties of the DNA double helix to concentrate the mechanical force generated by ultrasound at specific sites. Experiments showed that the team successfully cleaved specifically designed force-responsive molecular bonds with high selectivity and efficiency without damaging the DNA itself. In particular, DNA structures longer than 250 base pairs (bp) achieved a cleavage rate of 99.9% at the target site within 15 minutes. In experiments using 1 MHz low-intensity ultrasound under skin-like conditions, the system also consistently achieved more than 80% selective cleavage without DNA damage, demonstrating its potential for applications in actual biological environments. A key feature of the study is the ability to control the magnitude of transmitted mechanical force by adjusting the length of the DNA. Using PCR, the researchers varied the DNA length from 100 to 1,000 base pairs and found that longer DNA transmitted greater force to the target molecule. These findings provide a foundation for designing molecular-level mechanical reactions by controlling experimental parameters such as ultrasound frequency and DNA length. The newly developed technology has the potential to be extended to a wide range of biomaterial applications, including ultrasound-triggered drug release systems, biosensors, and mechanically responsive therapeutic materials, as it enables specific molecular bonds to be activated at targeted locations by applying ultrasound externally. The cover of the September 2026 issue of Chem illustrates the principle behind the study through the metaphor of piloting a submersible. It depicts a researcher turning dials representing ultrasound frequency and DNA length to precisely activate a single targeted molecular bond in an aqueous environment. Against a backdrop of ultrasound operating underwater, the DNA double helix is portrayed as a force-transmission device, while the mechanophore at the center of the DNA represents the target site where the ultrasonic force is concentrated. The cover also visually captures a key feature of the study: the ability to control the mechanochemical activation of a targeted molecular bond by adjusting parameters such as ultrasound frequency and DNA length. Professor Min-Seok Kwak said, “If conventional polymer-based mechanophores are like hammers that distribute force broadly, this DNA-based mechanophore is more like a surgical scalpel that precisely targets a specific molecular bond. We expect this platform combining ultrasound and DNA to eventually develop into a precision therapeutic technology capable of releasing drugs at the desired location inside the body at the right time.” The research team plans to further expand the platform by integrating it with various biomaterials, including DNA nanostructures and nanoparticle assemblies, for applications such as ultrasound-activated drug delivery systems, biosensors, and mechanically responsive therapeutic materials. The study was supported by the Nano and Materials Technology Development Program and the Regional Innovation Leading Research Center Program funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea.
Korea-China Joint Study on the Effects of Educational Drama on Core Competencies to Be Published in International Journal- Study demonstrates educational drama’s effectiveness in enhancing creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills- Paper by Pukyong National University and Changzhi University research team accepted for publication in ‘Frontiers in Psychology’A study has found that educational drama can have an overall positive effect on enhancing students’ key competencies, including creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Doctoral students Yuan Li and Xinyuan Zhang of the Department of Education Consulting at Pukyong National University Graduate School and Professor Gyun Heo of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Industries Education systematically analyzed the effects of educational drama on students’ key competencies in their paper, “The Effects of Educational Drama on Students’ Key Competencies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” The paper has been accepted for publication in the Educational Psychology section of Volume 17 (2026) of Frontiers in Psychology, an SSCI-indexed international journal, and is currently awaiting final publication. The study is significant in that it evaluates the effects of educational drama through a meta-analysis synthesizing multiple controlled studies, rather than relying on individual cases. The research team systematically searched major academic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest Central, while using Google Scholar as a supplementary source to review studies on educational drama published through 2025. Of the 1,855 studies initially identified, the team selected 27 controlled studies that examined the effects of educational drama on key competencies such as creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration, and conducted a meta-analysis of data from a total of 2,239 participants. The analysis found that educational drama had an overall positive effect on enhancing students’ key competencies, including creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. The findings suggest that participation-centered educational drama activities, such as role-playing, scenario-based activities, improvisation, and collaborative interaction, can contribute to improving students’ thinking, expressive, and interpersonal skills. Professor Gyun Heo said, “This study is significant in that it quantitatively synthesizes the educational value of educational drama from the perspective of 21st-century key competencies. In particular, its publication in an SSCI-indexed international journal provides international academic evidence supporting the effectiveness of educational drama in enhancing key competencies.” Meanwhile, Yuan Li, a member of the research team, has been dedicated to research since coming to Pukyong National University from China through the Global PKNU Graduate Degree Program for Faculty and Staff of Overseas Universities. Li is currently an associate professor in the Department of Journalism and New Media at Changzhi University in China, while pursuing a doctoral degree in the Department of Education Consulting at Pukyong National University Graduate School. With support from the 2025 PhiNX Graduate Student Research Encouragement Scholarship Program for Academic Fields in Need of Protection and the GPKNU Research Promotion Scholarship, Li has achieved notable research outcomes, including publishing a first-author paper in the KCI-indexed Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education. To date, Li has published two papers in KCI-indexed journals. In addition, Xinyuan Zhang has been dedicated to research since coming to Pukyong National University from China through the Global PKNU Graduate Degree Program for Faculty and Staff of Overseas Universities. With support from the 2025 PhiNX Graduate Student Research Encouragement Scholarship Program for Academic Fields in Need of Protection and the GPKNU Research Promotion Scholarship, Zhang has achieved notable research outcomes, including publishing a first-author paper in the KCI-indexed Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education. To date, Zhang has published two papers in KCI-indexed journals. Professor Gyun Heo, who supervised the study, has conducted research focusing on educational technology, AI-based education, big data analytics, and advanced quantitative research methodologies, while mentoring graduate students and early-career researchers in publishing papers in international and domestic academic journals. This achievement is regarded as an example of Pukyong National University’s global research competitiveness, demonstrating the international expansion of the educational research capabilities accumulated by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Industries Education at the undergraduate level and the Department of Education Consulting and Department of Fisheries and Marine Human Resources Development at the graduate level.
Vibrio Testing That Once Took a Full Day Can Now Be Completed in Just One Hour- Pukyong National University Researchers Develop On-Site Diagnostic Technology for Vibrio Bacteria- Paper-Based Diagnostic Device Automates Complex Genetic Testing Researchers at Pukyong National University have developed a paper-based diagnostic device capable of detecting Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially fatal foodborne bacterium found in seafood such as oysters, on site in approximately one hour. Unlike conventional commercial test kits, which rely on laboratory-based testing that requires specialized equipment and trained personnel, the newly developed portable device mechanically automates the processes of genetic amplification and detection. This allows the device to be used relatively easily in the field or at small-scale facilities. Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium found in seawater and seafood. Infection can occur through the consumption of contaminated raw oysters and other seafood or through open wounds, potentially causing sepsis and tissue necrosis. Rapid detection and management are particularly important because the bacterium can be fatal for people with liver disease or weakened immune systems. Commercial real-time PCR kits currently widely used for food safety testing can identify multiple Vibrio species with high accuracy. However, the testing process is complex, requiring samples to be cultured for a certain period and then analyzed using PCR equipment in a specialized laboratory. Results typically take about a day, while the need for expensive equipment and trained personnel limits the use of these methods in field settings. The device, developed by a research team including doctoral student Won Han of the Department of Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering at Pukyong National University as the first author and Professor Joong-Ho Shin of the Major of Biomedical Engineering as the corresponding author, addresses the limitations of conventional testing methods. After a sample is collected from an oyster’s gills using a swab and its DNA is extracted, the sample and buffer solution are placed on a paper pad inside the device. Once the spring mechanism is wounded, the device operates automatically, sequentially carrying out genetic amplification and detection reactions. The device minimizes complex fluid handling and multi-step manual procedures. After approximately one hour, the test result can be determined simply by visually checking the test line that appears on the paper strip. No complex equipment is required, other than maintaining a temperature of approximately 37°C. In pure cultures, the device was able to detect as little as a single bacterial cell per reaction. It also reliably identified contamination in oysters raised in seawater artificially contaminated with Vibrio bacteria. In addition, the device was able to distinguish the target bacterium from other closely related Vibrio species. The paper-based reaction pads maintained their performance with little degradation even after being stored at room temperature for several weeks. The researchers said, “While existing commercial PCR kits are designed primarily for laboratory-based testing, this device focuses on automating the testing process so that it can be used relatively easily in the field or at small-scale facilities.” They added, “By changing the reagents to target specific pathogens, we expect the device could also be applied to the detection of a wide range of pathogens.” The study, titled “Field-Deployable Paper-Based Detection of Vibrio vulnificus via Mechanically Automated Sequential RPA/CRISPR-Cas12a,” was published in the August issue of ACS Sensors (IF 10.9), an international journal in the field of sensor research. The study was supported by the Core Research Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Academic Research Support Program for Science and Engineering Fields of the Ministry of Education (including the Doctoral Student Research Incentive Program and the University-Focused Research Institute Support Program - Marine Bionics Convergence Technology Center), and the Ministry of Education’s BK21 Program (Smart Healthcare Program for New Seniors).
대외홍보센터 (2026-09-08)COUNT 150Pukyong National University Participates in Korea-U.S. Joint International R&D Project on Shipbuilding and Marine Technology- Professor Jae-Min Lee’s Research Team to Develop Next-Generation Digital Ship Design TechnologyProfessor Jae-Min Lee’s research team in the Major of Mechanical Systems Engineering at Pukyong National University will participate in a Korea-U.S. joint international research project in the shipbuilding and marine sector. Pukyong National University will participate as a joint research and development institution, alongside Seoul National University, the lead institution, in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s project titled “Development of Multi-Fidelity-Based Integrated Ship Design Optimization Technology for Fluid, Structural, and Production Systems.” The project, conducted as a Korea-U.S. joint international research initiative, is part of the international cooperation sector of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s 2026 Shipbuilding and Marine Industry Technology Development Program. It is linked to the MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again) initiative, a framework for cooperation between the Korean and U.S. shipbuilding industries. The project is led by Seoul National University, with Pukyong National University participating as a joint research and development institution alongside GIST, Korea Maritime & Ocean University, Dong-A University, Chungnam National University, and the Research Institute of Medium & Small Shipbuilding. Industry participants include Hanwha Ocean, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Systems. Overseas institutions, including the University of Iowa, the University of Michigan, and Italy’s CNR-INM, are also participating. The project will receive KRW 9 billion in funding through 2030. Its goal is to establish a next-generation integrated ship design framework that combines performance, productivity, and verifiability, applying an advanced digital design platform to conventional shipbuilding technologies. Pukyong National University will receive approximately KRW 400 million in research funding through the project and will be responsible for optimizing ship production and construction strategies. The university will conduct research and development aimed at predicting welding deformation and improving productivity. Key research areas will include △ analyzing the production characteristics of ship structures and welded joints, △ developing technology to predict welding deformation at the block level, and △ establishing a welding deformation database based on empirical data and developing design-support technologies. The international joint research project is expected to help secure core technologies for national ship design while creating a new growth engine for the shipbuilding industry through Korea-U.S. cooperation. It is also expected to accelerate process innovation and productivity improvements at shipbuilding sites, promote the commercialization of core technologies, and generate significant benefits for the local economy.
대외홍보센터 (2026-09-08)COUNT 186Pukyong National University Partners with Virginia Tech to Foster Global Engineering Talent- International Academic Exchange to Expand, Including Student Exchange Programs Beginning Next YearPukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) has partnered with Virginia Tech in the United States to foster globally competitive engineering talent. President Sang-Hoon Bae recently visited Virginia Tech and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for international academic exchange with Guru Ghosh, Vice President for Outreach and International Affairs. Building on the agreement, the two universities plan to launch student exchange programs beginning next year while also pursuing joint research among faculty and researchers in engineering fields, further strengthening their international cooperation network. By partnering with Virginia Tech, one of the leading research universities in the United States, Pukyong National University expects to strengthen the operation of its AX Innovation College, which will be newly established next year, and accelerate its efforts to cultivate outstanding engineering talent. Through the AX Innovation College, one of the university’s key future development strategies, Pukyong National University plans to respond to the rapid digital transformation and the growing adoption of artificial intelligence technologies while systematically fostering AI convergence talent who will lead future industries. In addition, following his visit to Virginia Tech, President Sang-Hoon Bae visited Auburn University at Montgomery, an existing MOU partner, to discuss expanding international exchange. On August 5, he also attended the 2026 US-Korea Conference on Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship (UKC) in Orlando, Florida, where he worked to build networks with scientists and attract highly skilled professionals in science and engineering.
Pukyong National University Earns Top Ratings in National University Development Project, Secures KRW 19.2 Billion- Receives S and A Ratings in the 2026 Performance EvaluationPukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) received the highest ratings of S and A, respectively, in the performance management and educational innovation performance categories of the 2026 National University Development Project Performance Evaluation conducted by the Ministry of Education. The National University Development Project is a major government-funded initiative supported by the Ministry of Education to foster future talent who will drive regional development through the autonomous innovation of national universities. The Ministry of Education evaluates each university’s innovation initiatives and implementation performance annually and allocates project funding based on the results. Following this year’s evaluation, Pukyong National University secured a total of KRW 19.2 billion in project funding, including performance-based incentives. Pukyong National University received high marks in several areas. The university established the Sustainability Performance Management Center, a dedicated organization for performance management, to systematically link its development strategies with institutional performance and continuously enhance its Institutional Research (IR) system, which was recognized as a best practice. Other highly rated initiatives included △ promoting the full-scale introduction of modular track curricula reflecting student needs, △ providing systematic support for the School of Open Major, and △ jointly operating advanced academic programs with other universities in the region. Following this outstanding achievement, Pukyong National University plans to continue pursuing educational innovation initiatives aimed at cultivating interdisciplinary future talent, building on its specialized strengths in basic academic fields, including marine and fisheries sciences, as well as advanced fields such as AI. Pukyong National University President Sang-Hoon Bae said, “Building on the funding secured through this project, we will continue to pursue innovations that students can directly experience while doing our utmost to strengthen the university’s education and research capabilities and cultivate future talent.”
Pukyong National University Selected for Ministry of Education’s ‘APEC Academic Exchange Program’- School of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies to Lead the Program … Pukyong National University Selected as the Sole Institution among Four-Year Universities Nationwide- International Joint Research and Student Exchange Activities with Japan, Thailand, and the United States to Continue through 2027Pukyong National University (President Sang-Hoon Bae) has been selected as an implementing institution for the 2026 APEC Academic Exchange Program, jointly promoted by the Ministry of Education and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Institute for International Education. The program aims to strengthen the foundation for international cooperation in higher education through joint research and student exchanges among universities across APEC economies. One four-year university nationwide is selected to receive support under the program. The project will run for two years through December 2027, with an annual budget of approximately KRW 100 million. Pukyong National University will carry out the project under the leadership of the School of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies. Professor Chang-Yu Hong of the school will serve as the principal investigator and lead the project under the theme of “Youth Human Resource Development and Strengthening Future Employment Competencies.” By combining Busan’s strengths as a maritime and port city with Pukyong National University’s educational and research capabilities, the project aims to propose a “Blue Economy-Linked Future Employment Model for Youth.” To this end, international mixed research teams comprising Korean and international students will conduct joint research and field projects on topics such as youth employment, regional entrepreneurship, and youth mobility. More than 100 students from Korea and abroad will participate in the project, including approximately 40 Pukyong National University students, such as those from the School of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies, and around 60 students from overseas partner universities. The university will organize a student hackathon with Fukuoka University in Japan on topics including smart ports, conduct joint research with Thammasat University in Thailand on climate change adaptation and green transition in the ASEAN region, and study strategies for encouraging young people to settle in local communities with Iowa State University in the United States. Through these activities, the university plans to establish an international joint research and student exchange network connecting Korea, Japan, Thailand, and the United States, with Busan serving as the hub. The School of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies at Pukyong National University plans to build on its experience in international exchange and global education, accumulated through the education of international students and exchanges with universities in Korea and abroad, and expand these capabilities into multilateral academic cooperation across Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies. Through the project, the school aims to move beyond internationalization centered primarily on student exchanges and establish a new model of international cooperation that integrates joint research, international mixed research teams, global field studies, hackathons, and other activities. Professor Chang-Yu Hong, the principal investigator, said, “Using APEC as a broader platform for international cooperation, we will leverage Busan’s strengths as a maritime and port city to develop an international academic exchange model in which young people across APEC economies can work together to explore solutions for future employment and regional innovation.”
Pukyong National University Researchers Develop Light-Activated Microneedle Soft Robot for Remote Injection in Future Smart Livestock Farming- Professor Dae-Seok Kim’s Team Publishes Findings in the International Materials Chemistry Journal Advanced Functional MaterialsA joint research team at Pukyong National University has developed a new soft actuator technology that generates a rapid, powerful force from a light-responsive soft material to insert microneedles into the skin. The research team, led by Professor Dae-Seok Kim and master’s student Chae-Won Lee of the Major of Polymer Engineering, together with Professor Seung-Hyun Park and integrated master’s and doctoral student Nan-Kyung Kim of the Major of Human Bio-Convergence, successfully developed a high-output remote microneedle actuation system that combines a light-responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), magnets, and a snap-through structure. Liquid crystal elastomers are soft and flexible like rubber yet can change their shape in response to external stimuli such as light or heat, making them promising key materials for soft robots and artificial muscles. However, conventional liquid crystal elastomers have limitations in that they deform relatively slowly and have difficulty generating large amounts of force instantaneously. To overcome these limitations, the researchers utilized the snap-through phenomenon, in which a structure that stores elastic energy―like an inverted umbrella or a bent hairpin―suddenly “snaps” into a reversed configuration once it reaches a critical point. The researchers fabricated an azobenzene-based liquid crystal elastomer that responds to light in a bow-shaped arch structure. When exposed to ultraviolet light, changes in the molecular alignment within the material caused elastic energy to accumulate. Once the stored energy reached a critical level, the structure rapidly snapped through, generating fast motion. The team then incorporated the attractive force of permanent magnets to lower the threshold for snap-through and enable the stored energy to be released more rapidly and powerfully. The maximum speed, which was approximately 140 mm per second when driven by light alone, increased to approximately 332 mm per second after the magnets were incorporated. The maximum actuation force also increased by approximately 14.6 times. This does not mean that the magnets drive the device on their own. Rather, as the light-deformed liquid crystal elastomer approaches its critical point, magnetic force amplifies the final release of stored energy. In this way, the system structurally overcomes the low-output limitations of conventional soft actuators while preserving the flexibility and remote controllability of soft materials. The research team also combined the developed actuator with fine, precisely fabricated polymer microneedles and verified their skin insertion performance. When exposed to light, the arch-shaped structure rapidly snaps downward, delivering a strong instantaneous impact to the microneedles and driving them into the skin. Experiments showed that the microneedles were successfully inserted not only into gelatin structures designed to mimic skin, but also into actual pig skin tissue. In the pig skin, the microneedles reached an average depth of approximately 364 μm (micrometers), and a fluorescent substance used to simulate a drug was observed spreading around the insertion sites. The researchers also confirmed that the insertion depth and diffusion area of the substance could be controlled by adjusting the length and number of microneedles in the array. The technology is considered to open up the possibility of “active smart livestock farming,” moving beyond conventional smart livestock systems that primarily monitor animal health through sensors to systems capable of performing actual treatment when needed. In the future, combining a reusable liquid crystal elastomer？magnet module with replaceable microneedle cartridges could enable the technology to be expanded into an automated precision treatment system. Professor Dae-Seok Kim said, “The key to this study is that small molecular-scale deformations induced by light are amplified through a snap-through structure and magnetic force, converting them into a strong mechanical impact.” He added, “We expect this technology to find applications not only in smart livestock farming, but also in a wide range of fields requiring precise and remote control, including wearable medical devices, biointerfaces, and soft robotics.” The paper presenting the research findings, titled “Snap-Through-Driven Liquid Crystal Elastomers for High-Power Remote Microneedle Actuation toward Smart Livestock Systems,” was published online on August 7 in 『Advanced Functional Materials』(IF: 19.9), a leading international journal in the field of materials science.